In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, El Bulli was named the best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine / S.Pellegrino.

It is reported that over 300,000 people attempt to book a table at El Bulli every year; the restaurant is able to serve approximate 8,000 meals (160 nights per year x 50 servings per evening). Tables for the entire season sell out in 1 day.

The name "El Bulli" was chosen because original owners Hans and Marketta Schilling owned French bulldogs, a breed colloquially known as "bulli".

El Bulli originally operated as a minigolf and then later as a beach bar. The first restaurant opened in 1964.